U.S. ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES MARKET

Traditional electrosurgery in the United States (U.S.) involves the use of electric current to cut, cauterize, and ligate tissue and luminal structures using radiofrequency generators and instrumentation. Radiofrequency-based surgical products-including generators, instruments, accessories, and thermal ligature/vessel sealing systems- represent a billion-dollar market in the U.S. and are utilized in several million surgeries performed annually across a broad spectrum of surgical areas, cardiovascular, general, obstetrics/gynecology, and orthopedic surgery, among others.

In 2011, the total electrosurgical devices market in the U.S. was valued at more than $1.0 billion. Over the forecast period covered by this report, the value of this market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of greater than 6.0%, increasing by more than $370.0 million in sales by the year 2016. While all segments are projected to maintain stable and moderate growth, the largest market segment--thermal ligature devices-is projected to increase at the highest compound annual rate due to strong demand, growing utilization, introduction of several new, next-generation devices, and the clinical and cost efficacy of electrothermal products.

Overall, despite the expense of capital equipment and ongoing economic constraints, growth is expected to remain stable throughout the forecast period due to an increase in non-elective/life-saving surgeries and the introduction and adoption of innovative technologies. Electrosurgical instruments/accessories will continue contributing a substantial portion of total device sales due to the high utilization of single-use instruments and requirement for specialized instruments, such as arthroscopic probes and other specialized systems.